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Art Thompson, renowned Indigenous artist, was an alumnus and long-time friend of Camosun. In his honour, and on the occasion of the college’s 50th anniversary, this is his story.

When Camosun College invited students to get creative and help commemorate its 50th anniversary celebrations this year by creating original creative work, the resulting entries showed off the depth and breadth of talent of our Camosun students.

After five decades, the college remains true to its roots as a place where students feel supported, included and where they can gain real skills to transform their lives and the future.

In 1977, Ralph Stanbridge became the fourth member of Camosun’s Visual Arts program – a comprehensive, well-respected curriculum that he helped sculpture throughout the 80s and 90s.

In 1978 Angela Henry was hired at Camosun to be the Program Leader of a new Aquatic Specialist Program, the first in Canada to train Recreation leaders in all aspects of Aquatics.

Sue Duggan started work at the college as an Admissions Secretary for Student Services in 1973. She fondly recalls what a close-knit community the college was during the 1970’s.

Chris Balmer began working at the college in July, 1987 in an innovative “portal” position, created for recent counsellor graduates. He retired in 2018, having served the college for 31 years.

“Every day I went to work and was surrounded by positive youthful energy,” he recalls. “Couldn’t beat it!!”

Her greatest satisfaction was watching the transformations as learners gained competence and, ultimately, became colleagues.

Like many others in the Camosun Family, Linda joined the college as a Community Education instructor.